I think that you need to decide on a budget. Or if you already have done so, let us know what it is.

Fitness hybrids can be good commuter bikes, as long as the ride time is under an hour. The single hand position can get fatiguing on longer rides.

The Trek fx series gets strong reviews from the bike press. The Giant Escape is likely equal in quality, but slightly less in cost.

Within each of these lines, I would suggest a few things. Don't buy the lower grade versions. The cheap components on the lower end models make for a poor experience, and wear out quicker than the middle grade bikes. Even if you don't intend to buy the top version, it would be worthwhile to ride one, just to see what really nice components feels like. Then go down until you meet your budget. But don't get Shimano Tourney grade stuff.

My wife is at a ladies night and I will have my son during the football game on Friday. We also do not get the TV channel.
What are some great local places in Boise (restaurants, etc) that will have the BSU football game on (with sound), and I can bring my eight year old son to? (not 21 and up places)
(FYI, he likes football and is unlikely to get bored watching the game)

That was my thought at first too. But electric cars are increasing in number. If they don't use gas, they pay no gas tax. If they pay no gas tax, they aren't paying their fair share for road maintenance. So the burden falls on those who drive regular cars. Since electric cars tend to be pretty expensive, (for now) the only people driving them tend to be well to do. So as the burden shifts to gasoline car drivers, it also shifts more to lower income folks. And that is called a regressive tax, where the poor pay a higher percent than the rich. By making electric car drivers pay an additional fee, it is leveling the playing field, and making sure everyone pays for the roads they use.

Regressive tax aside, what happens when 30% of the cars on the road are electric? Them roads gotta be paid for somehow.

Honestly though I'm not sure the fear of a regressive was the Legislature's actual reasoning. Looking out for lower income folks isn't really their thing. The Idaho Legislature likes to make laws just to give the finger to things they don't like. In this case, environmentalists.

There are a lot of gamers in Boise. If you don't find one by August, there's a gaming/anime convention in Nampa you might want to check out. ( http://www.fandemonium.org/ ) Although if you are worried about smell you might want to skip this place on Sunday. As most conventions do, it gets pretty ripe.

Some websites map players and help you find local gamers also.
There is also a treasure valley gamers meetup group.
There is a Boise Pathfinder Society group also that is pretty easy going.

Haven't heard much about CrossFit South Boise, but the West YMCA has a new cross fit gym they are building. Construction should be done around January 10th. They will have plenty of classes and you can also do things other than crossfit like swimming.